Hymn for Lent (Day 38): Let all the world in every corner sing

Unlike most of my Lenten hymn selections, this hymn has nothing to do with today’s lections. This is a plug for the poetry of George Herbert — hoping you’ll cast a vote for him in Lent Madness. You see, he’s made it to the Final Four, and he needs your support.

Now, in its own right, this is a fantastic text. Episcopalians won’t know the text much as a hymn, because the editors of the Hymnal 1982 did it no favors with their tune selection. Check the videos for an oustanding tune/text pairing from England, and also a couple of anthem settings of this inspiring poem.

Let all the world in every corner sing, my God and King!
The heavens are not too high, His praise may thither fly,
The earth is not too low, His praises there may grow.
Let all the world in every corner sing, my God and King!

Let all the world in every corner sing, my God and King!
The church with psalms must shout, no door can keep them out;
But, above all, the heart must bear the longest part.
Let all the world in every corner sing, my God and King!